It will, as usual, feature plays and workshops. While the performances will happen in the evenings, the classes in acting, dance, basic film production, and arts management will take place during the day.
This year’s plays, according to a statement by the founder, Patrick-Jude Oteh, “will present poignant messages concerning migrants, marriage, politics, revolt, and the abuse of power over the week of performances.”
The plays include A Toast of Triumph and Late Pam by Akolo James Anthony, Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge and August Wilson’s Radio Golf. Spanish play, Lope de Vega’s Fuenteovejuna featuring Nigerian actors speaking English will also be staged as will be Ahmed Yerima’s Mu’Adhin’s Call and Sefi Atta’s Renovation to mark the International Women’s Day on March 8.
In line with one of its goals of developing skills and competencies of Nigerian artistes, five new directors are on the bill for this year’s festival. They include Osasogie Efe Guobadia, Ebuka Ifebunso, Seyi Babalola, Sunny Adahson and Akolo James Anthony who will be directing the musical Brother Joachim’s Vocation which he wrote.
This year’s festival is made possible by the US Mission, Nigeria alongside Grand Cereals Limited, the International Performer’s Aid Trust and Jos Business School
The pre-festival play, August Wilson’s award-winning Fences, the star feature at the 2017 Oscars, will be performed on February 25.
and then